<h3><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilvogel/">Neil Vogel</a>, CEO of <a href="https://www.people.inc/">People Inc</a>., has done something remarkable in an industry that&#8217;s been writing its own eulogy for years. He&#8217;s made legacy media look relevant and publishing thrive. As the head of America&#8217;s largest magazine publisher—home to People, Travel &amp; Leisure, Better Homes &amp; Gardens and more—he&#8217;s navigated one of the most turbulent periods in magazine, let alone media, history with a perspective that&#8217;s refreshingly unsentimental and, frankly, bullish on publishing.</h3>
<h3>The Mindset That Matters</h3>
What becomes clear quickly is that Neil operates from a different premise than a lot of industry vets.
<figure id="attachment_1766" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1766" style="width: 229px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1766" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Vogel-headshot-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="229" height="344" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Vogel-headshot-200x300.jpg 200w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Vogel-headshot-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Vogel-headshot-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Vogel-headshot-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Vogel-headshot-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Vogel-headshot-scaled.jpg 1706w" sizes="(max-width: 229px) 100vw, 229px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1766" class="wp-caption-text">Neil Vogel, CEO, People Inc.</figcaption></figure>
He doesn&#8217;t see change as something to fear or fight. Instead, he sees it as the operating environment: &#8220;We&#8217;re going to happen to things. Things are not going to happen to us.&#8221;
It&#8217;s a subtle shift, but it changes everything about how you approach strategy. He also refuses to accept the tired narrative that media is dying. &#8220;Media is a fantastic business,&#8221; he told me. &#8220;People are on media more now than ever before, and there&#8217;s more money being spent against media in various ways.&#8221; The problem isn&#8217;t media; it&#8217;s when companies cling to old business models instead of adapting the execution while keeping the core mission intact. 
<img decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-1763" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/all-brands-300x150.jpg" alt="" width="452" height="226" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/all-brands-300x150.jpg 300w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/all-brands-1024x513.jpg 1024w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/all-brands-768x384.jpg 768w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/all-brands-1536x769.jpg 1536w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/all-brands.jpg 1870w" sizes="(max-width: 452px) 100vw, 452px" />
<h3>The Search Reality Check</h3>
One of the sharpest insights from our conversation centered on the collapse of search dominance. When Dotdash was independent, 70 percent of traffic came from search. That was their &#8220;mall.&#8221; But the mall blew up. Search traffic dropped to 30 percent of total traffic over time. The expected outcome? Disaster.
What actually happened, thanks to Neil&#8217;s approach? Total traffic grew. They built. They diversified into direct traffic, email, social platforms, Apple News, and owned properties like recipe lockers. <img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1765 alignright" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tl-post-300x268.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="268" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tl-post-300x268.jpg 300w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tl-post-1024x915.jpg 1024w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tl-post-768x686.jpg 768w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/tl-post.jpg 1412w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
A key lesson: 
<blockquote>
<h4>&#8220;We&#8217;re not entitled to search traffic, just like we&#8217;re not entitled to Facebook traffic. You have to earn it.&#8221;</h4>
</blockquote>
<h3>The People Magazine Blueprint</h3>
The restructuring of People, Inc. offers a masterclass in letting go of control. Before, one print editor-in-chief made every decision across every platform. But these days he wondered how a print editor could understand everything and all platforms, like TikTok.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1762" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/people-insta-300x255.jpg" alt="" width="410" height="348" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/people-insta-300x255.jpg 300w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/people-insta-1024x870.jpg 1024w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/people-insta-768x653.jpg 768w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/people-insta.jpg 1386w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px" />
They couldn&#8217;t. So they decentralized. Execs like Charlotte Triggs now set the brand direction—the ethos that drives all teams—and then fully independent editorial teams handle the magazine, website, Apple News, the app, and yes, Instagram and TikTok. There&#8217;s no forced repurposing. Each platform team creates natively for their audience. The result: People grew from six or seven million daily visitors to ten million, with explosive growth on social.
<h3>The Data-Driven Philosophy</h3>
Neil&#8217;s Wall Street background shaped how People Inc. approaches analytics, but he&#8217;s careful not to let math override instinct, noting: 
<blockquote>
<h3>&#8220;If you don&#8217;t make stuff people love, it doesn&#8217;t matter what your math says.&#8221; </h3>
</blockquote>
The real insight is this: strategic ad placement and clean design mean you can generate more revenue with fewer intrusions on the audience. Better experience. Better margins. That&#8217;s the math he wants to do. 
<h3>The Bigger Picture</h3>
What makes this conversation valuable is that Neil isn&#8217;t selling a complicated theory. He&#8217;s demonstrating a mindset: stay forward-looking, embrace change, remain unsentimental, and never stop making things people genuinely want. 
<h3>Key Moments and Highlights</h3>
<ul>
<li>00:38 From Dotdash to acquiring Meredith: becoming America&#8217;s largest publisher</li>
<li>01:25 Why media remains a fantastic business despite industry pessimism</li>
<li>04:15 The search shift: 70% dependence became 30%, yet total traffic grew</li>
<li>06:29 Restructuring People magazine with independent platform teams and no forced repurposing</li>
<li>09:41 Data and creative working together: how math serves, not dictates, content decisions</li>
</ul>
<h3>Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media &amp; Marketing Experts</h3>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews">https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews</a> 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/">https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/</a> 
Threads: <a href="https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews">https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews</a> 

<h3>If you enjoyed this episode, follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar!: <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal">https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal</a>! </h3>
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<description>Neil Vogel, CEO of People Inc., has done something remarkable in an industry that's been writing its own eulogy for years. He's made legacy media look relevant and publishing thrive. As the head of America's largest magazine publisher—home to People, Travel &amp; Leisure, Better Homes &amp; Gardens and more—he's navigated one of the most turbulent periods in magazine, let alone media, history with a perspective that's refreshingly unsentimental and, frankly, bullish on publishing.
The Mindset That Matters
What becomes clear quickly is that Neil operates from a different premise than a lot of industry vets.

Neil Vogel, CEO, People Inc.

He doesn't see change as something to fear or fight. Instead, he sees it as the operating environment: "We're going to happen to things. Things are not going to happen to us."

It's a subtle shift, but it changes everything about how you approach strategy. He also refuses to accept the tired narrative that media is dying. "Media is a fantastic business," he told me. "People are on media more now than ever before, and there's more money being spent against media in various ways." The problem isn't media; it's when companies cling to old business models instead of adapting the execution while keeping the core mission intact. 


The Search Reality Check
One of the sharpest insights from our conversation centered on the collapse of search dominance. When Dotdash was independent, 70 percent of traffic came from search. That was their "mall." But the mall blew up. Search traffic dropped to 30 percent of total traffic over time. The expected outcome? Disaster.

What actually happened, thanks to Neil's approach? Total traffic grew. They built. They diversified into direct traffic, email, social platforms, Apple News, and owned properties like recipe lockers. 

A key lesson: 

"We're not entitled to search traffic, just like we're not entitled to Facebook traffic. You have to earn it."

The People Magazine Blueprint
The restructuring of People, Inc. offers a masterclass in letting go of control. Before, one print editor-in-chief made every decision across every platform. But these days he wondered how a print editor could understand everything and all platforms, like TikTok.



They couldn't. So they decentralized. Execs like Charlotte Triggs now set the brand direction—the ethos that drives all teams—and then fully independent editorial teams handle the magazine, website, Apple News, the app, and yes, Instagram and TikTok. There's no forced repurposing. Each platform team creates natively for their audience. The result: People grew from six or seven million daily visitors to ten million, with explosive growth on social.
The Data-Driven Philosophy
Neil's Wall Street background shaped how People Inc. approaches analytics, but he's careful not to let math override instinct, noting: 

"If you don't make stuff people love, it doesn't matter what your math says." 

The real insight is this: strategic ad placement and clean design mean you can generate more revenue with fewer intrusions on the audience. Better experience. Better margins. That's the math he wants to do. 
The Bigger Picture
What makes this conversation valuable is that Neil isn't selling a complicated theory. He's demonstrating a mindset: stay forward-looking, embrace change, remain unsentimental, and never stop making things people genuinely want. 
Key Moments and Highlights

 	00:38 From Dotdash to acquiring Meredith: becoming America's largest publisher
 	01:25 Why media remains a fantastic business despite industry pessimism
 	04:15 The search shift: 70% dependence became 30%, yet total traffic grew
 	06:29 Restructuring People magazine with independent platform teams and no forced repurposing
 	09:41 Data and creative working together: how math serves, not dictates, content decisions

Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media &amp; Marketing Experts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.</description>

Neil Vogel, CEO of People Inc., has done something remarkable in an industry that's been writing its own eulogy for years. He's made legacy media look relevant and publishing thrive. As the head of America's largest magazine publisher—home to People,

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilvogel/">Neil Vogel</a>, CEO of <a href="https://www.people.inc/">People Inc</a>., has done something remarkable in an industry that's been writing its own eulogy for years. He's made legacy media look relevant and publishing thrive. As the head of America's largest magazine publisher—home to People, Travel &amp; Leisure, Better Homes &amp; Gardens and more—he's navigated one of the most turbulent periods in magazine, let alone media, history with a perspective that's refreshingly unsentimental and, frankly, bullish on publishing. 
The Mindset That Matters 
What becomes clear quickly is that Neil operates from a different premise than a lot of industry vets. 
 
Neil Vogel, CEO, People Inc. 
 
He doesn't see change as something to fear or fight. Instead, he sees it as the operating environment: "We're going to happen to things. Things are not going to happen to us." 
 
It's a subtle shift, but it changes everything about how you approach strategy. He also refuses to accept the tired narrative that media is dying. "Media is a fantastic business," he told me. "People are on media more now than ever before, and there's more money being spent against media in various ways." The problem isn't media; it's when companies cling to old business models instead of adapting the execution while keeping the core mission intact. 
 
 
The Search Reality Check 
One of the sharpest insights from our conversation centered on the collapse of search dominance. When Dotdash was independent, 70 percent of traffic came from search. That was their "mall." But the mall blew up. Search traffic dropped to 30 percent of total traffic over time. The expected outcome? Disaster. 
 
What actually happened, thanks to Neil's approach? Total traffic grew. They built. They diversified into direct traffic, email, social platforms, Apple News, and owned properties like recipe lockers. 
 
A key lesson: 
 
"We're not entitled to search traffic, just like we're not entitled to Facebook traffic. You have to earn it." 
 
The People Magazine Blueprint 
The restructuring of People, Inc. offers a masterclass in letting go of control. Before, one print editor-in-chief made every decision across every platform. But these days he wondered how a print editor could understand everything and all platforms, like TikTok. 
 
 
 
They couldn't. So they decentralized. Execs like Charlotte Triggs now set the brand direction—the ethos that drives all teams—and then fully independent editorial teams handle the magazine, website, Apple News, the app, and yes, Instagram and TikTok. There's no forced repurposing. Each platform team creates natively for their audience. The result: People grew from six or seven million daily visitors to ten million, with explosive growth on social. 
The Data-Driven Philosophy 
Neil's Wall Street background shaped how People Inc. approaches analytics, but he's careful not to let math override instinct, noting: 
 
"If you don't make stuff people love, it doesn't matter what your math says." 
 
The real insight is this: strategic ad placement and clean design mean you can generate more revenue with fewer intrusions on the audience. Better experience. Better margins. That's the math he wants to do.  
The Bigger Picture 
What makes this conversation valuable is that Neil isn't selling a complicated theory. He's demonstrating a mindset: stay forward-looking, embrace change, remain unsentimental, and never stop making things people genuinely want.  
Key Moments and Highlights 
 
 	* 00:38 From Dotdash to acquiring Meredith: becoming America's largest publisher 
 	* 01:25 Why media remains a fantastic business despite industry pessimism 
 	* 04:15 The search shift: 70% dependence became 30%,

How CEO Neil Vogel Powers Up People Inc

<h3>What’s the potential and current impact of AI for the creative industries? I spoke with Joaquin Cuenca, co-founder and CEO of Freepik, about their suite of AI tools and their role in enhancing human creativity. And, Alexia Adana, Creative Director at Edelman, who elaborates on how she combines AI with human creativity for clients and her own artistic endeavors. Enjoy, and please share this episode &#8211; out just in time for #InternationalPodcastDay!</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1753 alignleft" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FRPK-Freepik-reimagine-slide-e1759257993926.jpg" alt="" width="587" height="328" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FRPK-Freepik-reimagine-slide-e1759257993926.jpg 1852w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FRPK-Freepik-reimagine-slide-e1759257993926-300x168.jpg 300w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FRPK-Freepik-reimagine-slide-e1759257993926-1024x573.jpg 1024w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FRPK-Freepik-reimagine-slide-e1759257993926-768x430.jpg 768w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/FRPK-Freepik-reimagine-slide-e1759257993926-1536x859.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 587px) 100vw, 587px" />
Joaquin emphasizes that AI should be seen as a supportive tool to elevate creative processes, rather than a replacement for human creators. He argues, &#8216;We are the sum of our experiences. And that makes us unique.&#8217; He explains the benefits of Freepik&#8217;s tools for reducing the time needed to execute creative ideas&#8230; but stresses the irreplicability of humans based on our individuality, even as AI continues to advance. Basically, AI is a tool for creators, not a replacement, because AI cannot replicate unique human experiences.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1755" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/alexia-ai-1-300x195.jpg" alt="" width="440" height="286" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/alexia-ai-1-300x195.jpg 300w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/alexia-ai-1-1024x666.jpg 1024w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/alexia-ai-1-768x500.jpg 768w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/alexia-ai-1-1536x999.jpg 1536w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/alexia-ai-1.jpg 1768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px" />
Following this, Alexia highlights the significance of human artistry and personal storytelling in using AI tools to generate immersive and engaging experiences. She points out  “in the world of copyright with AI you have to show human authorship. So if you&#8217;re creating a story or a film that&#8217;s a hundred percent generated by AI, you can&#8217;t copyright or trademark that. So, I&#8217;m documenting my whole process – showing where it&#8217;s from my vision, it&#8217;s from my sketches.”
The conversation concludes with the vision of a synergistic future where AI tools enhance creative processes without devaluing the human touch.
Key Moments:
02:11 The Role of AI in Creativity
03:19 Human Uniqueness vs. AI
04:47 FreePik&#8217;s AI Tools and Their Impact
08:56 Copyright and Legalities in AI
14:31 Future of Jobs&#8230;and Creativity in the AI Era
15:38 Voiceover Job Reclaimed from AI
16:21 Regionalizing Ads with AI
17:16 Alexia Adana journey from Footlocker to Edelman
20:51 Microsoft sAI Project at Edelman
27:08 BloomChild: An Artist&#8217;s AI Journey
30:16 The Future of Human-Generated Art
<h3>Links:</h3>
<h3><a href="https://www.freepik.com/">Freepik</a></h3>
<h3><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexiaadana/">Alexia Adana</a></h3>
<h3>Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media &amp; Marketing Experts</h3>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews">https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews</a> 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/">https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/</a> 
Threads: <a href="https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews">https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews</a> 

<h3>If you enjoyed this episode, follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar to help me tip my producer, Jim Mullen!: <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal">https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal</a>! </h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1322 aligncenter" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/yellow-button-300x84.png" sizes="auto, (max-width: 275px) 100vw, 275px" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/yellow-button-300x84.png 300w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/yellow-button-1024x287.png 1024w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/yellow-button-768x216.png 768w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/yellow-button.png 1090w" alt="Support this content at buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal " width="275" height="77" />

<description>What’s the potential and current impact of AI for the creative industries? I spoke with Joaquin Cuenca, co-founder and CEO of Freepik, about their suite of AI tools and their role in enhancing human creativity. And, Alexia Adana, Creative Director at Edelman, who elaborates on how she combines AI with human creativity for clients and her own artistic endeavors. Enjoy, and please share this episode - out just in time for #InternationalPodcastDay!


Joaquin emphasizes that AI should be seen as a supportive tool to elevate creative processes, rather than a replacement for human creators. He argues, 'We are the sum of our experiences. And that makes us unique.' He explains the benefits of Freepik's tools for reducing the time needed to execute creative ideas... but stresses the irreplicability of humans based on our individuality, even as AI continues to advance. Basically, AI is a tool for creators, not a replacement, because AI cannot replicate unique human experiences.



Following this, Alexia highlights the significance of human artistry and personal storytelling in using AI tools to generate immersive and engaging experiences. She points out  “in the world of copyright with AI you have to show human authorship. So if you're creating a story or a film that's a hundred percent generated by AI, you can't copyright or trademark that. So, I'm documenting my whole process – showing where it's from my vision, it's from my sketches.”

The conversation concludes with the vision of a synergistic future where AI tools enhance creative processes without devaluing the human touch.

Key Moments:

02:11 The Role of AI in Creativity

03:19 Human Uniqueness vs. AI

04:47 FreePik's AI Tools and Their Impact

08:56 Copyright and Legalities in AI

14:31 Future of Jobs...and Creativity in the AI Era

15:38 Voiceover Job Reclaimed from AI

16:21 Regionalizing Ads with AI

17:16 Alexia Adana journey from Footlocker to Edelman

20:51 Microsoft sAI Project at Edelman

27:08 BloomChild: An Artist's AI Journey

30:16 The Future of Human-Generated Art
Links:
Freepik
Alexia Adana
Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media &amp; Marketing Experts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews

If you enjoyed this episode, follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar to help me tip my producer, Jim Mullen!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal! </description>

What’s the potential and current impact of AI for the creative industries? I spoke with Joaquin Cuenca, co-founder and CEO of Freepik, about their suite of AI tools and their role in enhancing human creativity. And, Alexia Adana,

What’s the potential and current impact of AI for the creative industries? I spoke with Joaquin Cuenca, co-founder and CEO of Freepik, about their suite of AI tools and their role in enhancing human creativity. And, Alexia Adana, Creative Director at Edelman, who elaborates on how she combines AI with human creativity for clients and her own artistic endeavors. Enjoy, and please share this episode - out just in time for #InternationalPodcastDay! 
 
 
Joaquin emphasizes that AI should be seen as a supportive tool to elevate creative processes, rather than a replacement for human creators. He argues, 'We are the sum of our experiences. And that makes us unique.' He explains the benefits of Freepik's tools for reducing the time needed to execute creative ideas... but stresses the irreplicability of humans based on our individuality, even as AI continues to advance. Basically, AI is a tool for creators, not a replacement, because AI cannot replicate unique human experiences. 
 
 
 
Following this, Alexia highlights the significance of human artistry and personal storytelling in using AI tools to generate immersive and engaging experiences. She points out  “in the world of copyright with AI you have to show human authorship. So if you're creating a story or a film that's a hundred percent generated by AI, you can't copyright or trademark that. So, I'm documenting my whole process – showing where it's from my vision, it's from my sketches.” 
 
The conversation concludes with the vision of a synergistic future where AI tools enhance creative processes without devaluing the human touch. 
 
Key Moments: 
 
02:11 The Role of AI in Creativity 
 
03:19 Human Uniqueness vs. AI 
 
04:47 FreePik's AI Tools and Their Impact 
 
08:56 Copyright and Legalities in AI 
 
14:31 Future of Jobs...and Creativity in the AI Era 
 
15:38 Voiceover Job Reclaimed from AI 
 
16:21 Regionalizing Ads with AI 
 
17:16 Alexia Adana journey from Footlocker to Edelman 
 
20:51 Microsoft sAI Project at Edelman 
 
27:08 BloomChild: An Artist's AI Journey 
 
30:16 The Future of Human-Generated Art 
Links: 
<a href="https://www.freepik.com/">Freepik</a> 
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexiaadana/">Alexia Adana</a> 
Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media &amp; Marketing Experts 
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews">https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews</a> 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/">https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/</a> 
Threads: <a href="https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews">https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews</a> 
 
If you enjoyed this episode, follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar to help me tip my producer, Jim Mullen!: <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal">https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal</a>!

Bonus: Enabling an AI Future: The Bleeding Edge of AI and Creativity from Freepik & Edelman

<h3 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">How can mentoring lead to a whole new career? How do dinner conversations and AI come together to drive entrepreneurship? How are some people changing the world as they change gears? Talk about REINVENTION!</h3>
<h3 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Well, I did. Meet two more honorees of the Folio: awards named to the Hall of Fame, in this &#8220;two-fer&#8221; episode on Doug Olson and David Adler, both of whom have gone from being presidents of publishing companies to reinventing themselves&#8230;and parts of the industry.</h3>
<h3 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">First up: Doug Olson.</h3>
Doug went from a career in the tech side to the publishing side, ultimately running Meredith Magazines (think: &#8220;Time,&#8221; &#8220;People,&#8221; &#8220;Better Homes &amp; Gardens&#8221;&#8230;) to NOW hangin’ with the digital natives doing bling-meets-social media, as Co-CEO of &#8220;Bomb Party,&#8221; with its TikTok-famous jewelry reveals! Bet you didn&#8217;t see THAT coming.
<figure id="attachment_1739" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1739" style="width: 371px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1739" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bhg-300x189.jpg" alt="" width="371" height="234" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bhg-300x189.jpg 300w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bhg-1024x645.jpg 1024w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bhg-768x484.jpg 768w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bhg-1536x967.jpg 1536w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bhg-2048x1289.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 371px) 100vw, 371px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1739" class="wp-caption-text">Creating Partnerships</figcaption></figure>
He discusses the evolution of Meredith, its major acquisitions, the partnership he headed with Walmart, and how Meredith navigated its own transition &#8212; adding digital to print media.
<figure id="attachment_1740" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1740" style="width: 365px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1740" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bombparty-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="365" height="243" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bombparty-300x200.jpg 300w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bombparty-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bombparty-768x512.jpg 768w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bombparty-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/bombparty-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 365px) 100vw, 365px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1740" class="wp-caption-text">&#8220;Reveals&#8221; on TikTok</figcaption></figure>
Doug also describes his transition to #BombParty, a thriving and unique jewelry company that uses social media to engage customers. 
&nbsp;
<h3 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Then there&#8217;s David Adler. </h3>
I cannot even keep track of all the ways David has reinvented himself: from launching a magazine on DC society back in the 70s, which he sold 10 years later for a handy profit &#8212; and is now turning those archival images into songs and content! I kid you not. 
But wait, there&#8217;s more. He helmed big PR shops, but is perhaps best know for founding one of the best magazines on events, called &#8220;BizBash.&#8221; And now? SO MUCH &#8212; from recently launching an online events mag, &#8220;<a href="http://GatheringPoint.news">GatheringPoint.news</a>&#8221; to yet another startup.
<figure id="attachment_1741" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1741" style="width: 423px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1741" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/gathering-pointcover-300x186.jpg" alt="" width="423" height="262" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/gathering-pointcover-300x186.jpg 300w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/gathering-pointcover-1024x634.jpg 1024w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/gathering-pointcover-768x475.jpg 768w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/gathering-pointcover-1536x950.jpg 1536w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/gathering-pointcover-2048x1267.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 423px) 100vw, 423px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1741" class="wp-caption-text">gatheringoint.news</figcaption></figure>
He highlights how he is an unabashed #AI acolyte and explains how it has revolutionized his latest ventures, supporting creative storytelling and increased efficiency. But David is also stopping to smell &#8220;The Roses&#8221;, making the most of his author father&#8217;s legacy by helping enable that current box office hit!
<figure id="attachment_1742" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1742" style="width: 349px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1742" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Roses2-300x179.jpg" alt="" width="349" height="208" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Roses2-300x179.jpg 300w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Roses2-1024x612.jpg 1024w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Roses2-768x459.jpg 768w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Roses2-1536x918.jpg 1536w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Roses2.jpg 1656w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 349px) 100vw, 349px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1742" class="wp-caption-text">from &#8220;The Roses&#8221;</figcaption></figure>
Like roses themselves, these guests exemplify the concept of &#8216;perennials,&#8217; described by David as individuals who continuously evolve and remain curious, regardless of generational labels. Their stories illustrate the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and embracing new technologies in media or just for mental well-being!
<h3>KEY MOMENTS:</h3>
00:00 Meet Doug Olson and David Adler
02:44 Doug Olson: From Tech to Media Mogul to&#8230;
05:36 The Better Homes &amp; Gardens / Walmart Omnichannel Strategy
08:03 The Future of Print Publications
11:20 Golfing or Jewelry? Doug Olson&#8217;s New Venture: Bomb Party
14:56 David Adler: A Perennial Journey Through Media
19:55 Adler on AI and Innovation
24:09 Washington Insider, A Big Screen Legacy and MORE Current Projects
<h3>Please add a &#8220;like&#8221; or share this episode to encourage MORE &#8220;reinventionists!&#8221; And see you at the <a href="https://www.eddie-ozzie.com/go/2025-eddie-and-ozzie-awards/folio-hall-of-fame/">Folio: Hall of Fame 10/6</a>.</h3>
<h4 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Here&#8217;s Doug&#8217;s info:</h4>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-olson-62737116/">LinkedIn</a>
<a href="https://www.bombparty.com/">Bomb Party</a>
<h4 data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Here&#8217;s David&#8217;s info:</h4>
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-adler/">LinkedIn</a>
<div>Managing Director- Living Room Labs (start-up)</div>
<div>Founder- BizBash <a href="http://www.bizbash.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.bizbash.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1757182447475000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3XUKYwfjO7Mn2tLDK0mk7g">www.bizbash.com</a></div>
<div>
<div>Author- <a href="http://Harnessingserendipity.com">Harnessingserendipity.com</a></div>
<div>Partner- <a href="http://AdlerEntertainmentTrust.com">AdlerEntertainmentTrust.com</a></div>
<div>Owner- <a href="http://Dossierhistoricalphotos.com">Dossierhistoricalphotos.com</a></div>
</div>
<div>
<h3>Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media &amp; Marketing Experts</h3>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews">https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews</a> 
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Threads: <a href="https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews">https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews</a> 

<h3>If you enjoyed this episode, follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar to help me tip my producer, Jim Mullen!: <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal">https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal</a>! </h3>
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<description>How can mentoring lead to a whole new career? How do dinner conversations and AI come together to drive entrepreneurship? How are some people changing the world as they change gears? Talk about REINVENTION!
Well, I did. Meet two more honorees of the Folio: awards named to the Hall of Fame, in this "two-fer" episode on Doug Olson and David Adler, both of whom have gone from being presidents of publishing companies to reinventing themselves...and parts of the industry.
First up: Doug Olson.
Doug went from a career in the tech side to the publishing side, ultimately running Meredith Magazines (think: "Time," "People," "Better Homes &amp; Gardens"...) to NOW hangin’ with the digital natives doing bling-meets-social media, as Co-CEO of "Bomb Party," with its TikTok-famous jewelry reveals! Bet you didn't see THAT coming.


Creating Partnerships

He discusses the evolution of Meredith, its major acquisitions, the partnership he headed with Walmart, and how Meredith navigated its own transition -- adding digital to print media.

"Reveals" on TikTok

Doug also describes his transition to #BombParty, a thriving and unique jewelry company that uses social media to engage customers. 

 
Then there's David Adler. 
I cannot even keep track of all the ways David has reinvented himself: from launching a magazine on DC society back in the 70s, which he sold 10 years later for a handy profit -- and is now turning those archival images into songs and content! I kid you not. 
But wait, there's more. He helmed big PR shops, but is perhaps best know for founding one of the best magazines on events, called "BizBash." And now? SO MUCH -- from recently launching an online events mag, "GatheringPoint.news" to yet another startup.


gatheringoint.news

He highlights how he is an unabashed #AI acolyte and explains how it has revolutionized his latest ventures, supporting creative storytelling and increased efficiency. But David is also stopping to smell "The Roses", making the most of his author father's legacy by helping enable that current box office hit!

from "The Roses"

Like roses themselves, these guests exemplify the concept of 'perennials,' described by David as individuals who continuously evolve and remain curious, regardless of generational labels. Their stories illustrate the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and embracing new technologies in media or just for mental well-being!
KEY MOMENTS:
00:00 Meet Doug Olson and David Adler

02:44 Doug Olson: From Tech to Media Mogul to...

05:36 The Better Homes &amp; Gardens / Walmart Omnichannel Strategy

08:03 The Future of Print Publications

11:20 Golfing or Jewelry? Doug Olson's New Venture: Bomb Party

14:56 David Adler: A Perennial Journey Through Media

19:55 Adler on AI and Innovation

24:09 Washington Insider, A Big Screen Legacy and MORE Current Projects
Please add a "like" or share this episode to encourage MORE "reinventionists!" And see you at the Folio: Hall of Fame 10/6.
Here's Doug's info:
LinkedIn
Bomb Party

Here's David's info:
LinkedIn
Managing Director- Living Room Labs (start-up)
Founder- BizBash www.bizbash.com

Author- Harnessingserendipity.com
Partner- AdlerEntertainmentTrust.com
Owner- Dossierhistoricalphotos.com


Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media &amp; Marketing Experts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews

If you enjoyed this episode, follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar to help me tip my producer, Jim Mullen!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal! </description>

How can mentoring lead to a whole new career? How do dinner conversations and AI come together to drive entrepreneurship? How are some people changing the world as they change gears? Talk about REINVENTION! Well, I did.

How can mentoring lead to a whole new career? How do dinner conversations and AI come together to drive entrepreneurship? How are some people changing the world as they change gears? Talk about REINVENTION! 
Well, I did. Meet two more honorees of the Folio: awards named to the Hall of Fame, in this "two-fer" episode on Doug Olson and David Adler, both of whom have gone from being presidents of publishing companies to reinventing themselves...and parts of the industry. 
First up: Doug Olson. 
Doug went from a career in the tech side to the publishing side, ultimately running Meredith Magazines (think: "Time," "People," "Better Homes &amp; Gardens"...) to NOW hangin’ with the digital natives doing bling-meets-social media, as Co-CEO of "Bomb Party," with its TikTok-famous jewelry reveals! Bet you didn't see THAT coming. 
 
 
Creating Partnerships 
 
He discusses the evolution of Meredith, its major acquisitions, the partnership he headed with Walmart, and how Meredith navigated its own transition -- adding digital to print media. 
 
"Reveals" on TikTok 
 
Doug also describes his transition to #BombParty, a thriving and unique jewelry company that uses social media to engage customers.  
 
&nbsp; 
Then there's David Adler. 
I cannot even keep track of all the ways David has reinvented himself: from launching a magazine on DC society back in the 70s, which he sold 10 years later for a handy profit -- and is now turning those archival images into songs and content! I kid you not. 
But wait, there's more. He helmed big PR shops, but is perhaps best know for founding one of the best magazines on events, called "BizBash." And now? SO MUCH -- from recently launching an online events mag, "<a href="http://GatheringPoint.news">GatheringPoint.news</a>" to yet another startup. 
 
 
gatheringoint.news 
 
He highlights how he is an unabashed #AI acolyte and explains how it has revolutionized his latest ventures, supporting creative storytelling and increased efficiency. But David is also stopping to smell "The Roses", making the most of his author father's legacy by helping enable that current box office hit! 
 
from "The Roses" 
 
Like roses themselves, these guests exemplify the concept of 'perennials,' described by David as individuals who continuously evolve and remain curious, regardless of generational labels. Their stories illustrate the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and embracing new technologies in media or just for mental well-being! 
KEY MOMENTS: 
00:00 Meet Doug Olson and David Adler 
 
02:44 Doug Olson: From Tech to Media Mogul to... 
 
05:36 The Better Homes &amp; Gardens / Walmart Omnichannel Strategy 
 
08:03 The Future of Print Publications 
 
11:20 Golfing or Jewelry? Doug Olson's New Venture: Bomb Party 
 
14:56 David Adler: A Perennial Journey Through Media 
 
19:55 Adler on AI and Innovation 
 
24:09 Washington Insider, A Big Screen Legacy and MORE Current Projects 
Please add a "like" or share this episode to encourage MORE "reinventionists!" And see you at the <a href="https://www.eddie-ozzie.com/go/2025-eddie-and-ozzie-awards/folio-hall-of-fame/">Folio: Hall of Fame 10/6</a>. 
Here's Doug's info: 
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-olson-62737116/">LinkedIn</a> 
<a href="https://www.bombparty.com/">Bomb Party</a> 
 
Here's David's info: 
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-adler/">LinkedIn</a> 
Managing Director- Living Room Labs (start-up) 
Founder- BizBash <a href="http://www.bizbash.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.bizbash.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1757182447475000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3XUKYwfjO7Mn2tLDK0mk7g">www.

The Reinventionists: Doug Olson & David Adler on Personal & Publishing Evolutions

<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">A spontaneous chat at <a href="https://2025.podcastmovement.com/">Podcast Movement 2025</a> turned into 15 minutes of pure gold when Peter Ferioli explained how podcasts can now be interactive, with <a href="https://pantheonpodcasts.com/">Pantheon</a> joining forces with <a href="https://www.spooler.fm/">Spooler Media</a> to lead the way. And to be wow&#8217;d at a conference that regularly features the best and the brightest in podcasting, this really stood out.</h3>
Peter explains Pantheon&#8217;s effort at launching music-oriented podcasts, netting maybe 10 listeners on day. He and his other partners were not inclined to quit their day jobs. But then when Spotify entered podcasting, suddenly everyone searching for artists was discovering their content alongside the music.
<figure id="attachment_1726" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1726" style="width: 505px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1726" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pantheon-podcasts-300x166.jpg" alt="Pantheon Music Podcasts" width="505" height="280" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pantheon-podcasts-300x166.jpg 300w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pantheon-podcasts-1024x568.jpg 1024w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pantheon-podcasts-768x426.jpg 768w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pantheon-podcasts.jpg 1083w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 505px) 100vw, 505px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1726" class="wp-caption-text">Pantheon Podcasts</figcaption></figure>
And Pantheon went on to becoming one of the world&#8217;s biggest music podcast networks with 150 shows featuring top-tier bands like Metallica. 
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">The real turning point &#8212; and where things get exciting?  </h3>
Peter&#8217;s now pioneering interactive podcasting with Spooler, a platform created by former Apple Podcasts and Megaphone executives. This isn&#8217;t just another tech upgrade; it&#8217;s completely reimagining what audio content can be&#8230;and do. 
But thanks to a combo of  new tech enablements from large language models anticipating conclusions to voice recognition and more, the team has raised the bar on what&#8217;s possible. Try out the beta version of what the team has dubbed a &#8220;Podcast Puzzle&#8221; and try a brain game! 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1724" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/hit-replay-300x173.jpg" alt="" width="541" height="312" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/hit-replay-300x173.jpg 300w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/hit-replay-1024x592.jpg 1024w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/hit-replay-768x444.jpg 768w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/hit-replay-1536x888.jpg 1536w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/hit-replay.jpg 2044w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 541px) 100vw, 541px" />
&nbsp;
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">Walks and Talks</h3>
They&#8217;re enabling everything from choose-your-own-adventure stories that adapt to your location in real-time, to <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hit-replay/id6747683510">walks through decades</a> of San Francisco with The Grateful Dead, and even talks with Benjamin Franklin using his complete writings. As I proudly punned to Peter, it&#8217;s &#8220;electrifying!&#8221; <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-1723 aligncenter" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Franklins-Stormy-Soundtrack-300x200.png" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Franklins-Stormy-Soundtrack-300x200.png 300w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Franklins-Stormy-Soundtrack-1024x683.png 1024w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Franklins-Stormy-Soundtrack-768x512.png 768w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Franklins-Stormy-Soundtrack.png 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">Peter&#8217;s Take: Compared to how Video has evolved, Audio has stayed the same&#8230; Til now.</h3>
<blockquote>
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words" style="text-align: center;">&#8220;You have audiobooks, podcasts, music and radio. They&#8217;re all passive forms of audio&#8230; So in this world that we&#8217;re trying to build out these interactive podcasts&#8230; You can ask a voice assistant for the weather. With an interactive podcast can create a story about the weather, even bring in real location data and create a personal narrative around it for you.&#8221;</h3>
</blockquote>
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words">Key Moments:</h3>
<ul class="[&amp;:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&amp;:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc space-y-1.5 pl-7">
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">[03:00] Early podcasting reality check: 10 listeners after a year of detailed work</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">[04:30] Breaking the &#8220;sacred&#8221; podcast feed rules with multi-genre content</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">[04:46] How Spotify&#8217;s entry transformed music podcast discovery</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">[07:35] Interactive podcasting revolution with Spooler FM explained</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">[13:36] Mind-blowing AI conversations with Benjamin Franklin</li>
<li class="whitespace-normal break-words">[14:28] Real-world application: Grateful Dead puzzle experience in San Francisco</li>
</ul>
<h4 class="whitespace-normal break-words">Don&#8217;t miss the app Peter mentions: try Links interactive puzzle at podcastpuzzle.com.</h4>
<h3 class="whitespace-normal break-words" style="text-align: center;">And speaking of keeping your mind sharp for puzzles, thanks to <a href="http://And speaking of keeping your mind sharp for puzzles, thanks to More Labs for sponsoring, with 25% off their Morning Recovery, Liquid Focus and Dream Well &quot;tonics&quot; at morelabs.com with code INSIDER. Here's a handy link: 25% Off More Labs https://www.morelabs.com/discount/INSIDER">More Labs</a> for sponsoring, with 25% off their Morning Recovery, Liquid Focus and Dream Well &#8220;tonics&#8221; at morelabs.com with code INSIDER. Here&#8217;s a handy link: 25% Off More Labs 
<a href="https://www.morelabs.com/discount/INSIDER">https://www.morelabs.com/discount/INSIDER</a></h3>
<figure id="attachment_1722" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1722" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1722" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/More-Labs-Offer-YouTube-300x169.png" alt="Promo code of &quot;Insider&quot; for 25% off Morning Recovery and all products at www.morelabs.com " width="594" height="334" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/More-Labs-Offer-YouTube-300x169.png 300w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/More-Labs-Offer-YouTube-1024x576.png 1024w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/More-Labs-Offer-YouTube-768x432.png 768w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/More-Labs-Offer-YouTube.png 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1722" class="wp-caption-text">Stay sharp! Use &#8220;Insider&#8221; at morelabs.com for 25% off!</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Resources:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Peter Ferioli &#8211; <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterferioli/">LinkedIn</a></li>
<li><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5OGY1VefN73GZw5A7oSxQH?si=5857f1abe1204979">Pantheon on Spotify</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.spooler.fm/blog/hit-replay-powered-by-spooler/">Hit Replay</a> the game</li>
</ul>
<h3>Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media &amp; Marketing Experts</h3>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews">https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews</a> 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/">https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/</a> 
Threads: <a href="https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews">https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews</a> 

<h3>Enjoyed this free episode? My Tip Jar: <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal">https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal</a></h3>
<h4>Kind comments, reviews and shares are equally welcome.</h4>
<div class="simplesocialbuttons simplesocial-simple-icons simplesocialbuttons_inline simplesocialbuttons-align-left post-1704 post simplesocialbuttons-inline-no-animation simplesocialbuttons-inline-in"></div>

<description>A spontaneous chat at Podcast Movement 2025 turned into 15 minutes of pure gold when Peter Ferioli explained how podcasts can now be interactive, with Pantheon joining forces with Spooler Media to lead the way. And to be wow'd at a conference that regularly features the best and the brightest in podcasting, this really stood out.
Peter explains Pantheon's effort at launching music-oriented podcasts, netting maybe 10 listeners on day. He and his other partners were not inclined to quit their day jobs. But then when Spotify entered podcasting, suddenly everyone searching for artists was discovering their content alongside the music.


Pantheon Podcasts
And Pantheon went on to becoming one of the world's biggest music podcast networks with 150 shows featuring top-tier bands like Metallica. 

The real turning point -- and where things get exciting?  
Peter's now pioneering interactive podcasting with Spooler, a platform created by former Apple Podcasts and Megaphone executives. This isn't just another tech upgrade; it's completely reimagining what audio content can be...and do. 
But thanks to a combo of  new tech enablements from large language models anticipating conclusions to voice recognition and more, the team has raised the bar on what's possible. Try out the beta version of what the team has dubbed a "Podcast Puzzle" and try a brain game! 


 
Walks and Talks
They're enabling everything from choose-your-own-adventure stories that adapt to your location in real-time, to walks through decades of San Francisco with The Grateful Dead, and even talks with Benjamin Franklin using his complete writings. As I proudly punned to Peter, it's "electrifying!" 

Peter's Take: Compared to how Video has evolved, Audio has stayed the same... Til now.

"You have audiobooks, podcasts, music and radio. They're all passive forms of audio... So in this world that we're trying to build out these interactive podcasts... You can ask a voice assistant for the weather. With an interactive podcast can create a story about the weather, even bring in real location data and create a personal narrative around it for you."

Key Moments:

 	[03:00] Early podcasting reality check: 10 listeners after a year of detailed work
 	[04:30] Breaking the "sacred" podcast feed rules with multi-genre content
 	[04:46] How Spotify's entry transformed music podcast discovery
 	[07:35] Interactive podcasting revolution with Spooler FM explained
 	[13:36] Mind-blowing AI conversations with Benjamin Franklin
 	[14:28] Real-world application: Grateful Dead puzzle experience in San Francisco

Don't miss the app Peter mentions: try Links interactive puzzle at podcastpuzzle.com.
And speaking of keeping your mind sharp for puzzles, thanks to More Labs for sponsoring, with 25% off their Morning Recovery, Liquid Focus and Dream Well "tonics" at morelabs.com with code INSIDER. Here's a handy link: 25% Off More Labs
https://www.morelabs.com/discount/INSIDER
Stay sharp! Use "Insider" at morelabs.com for 25% off!
Resources:

 	Peter Ferioli - LinkedIn
 	Pantheon on Spotify
 	Hit Replay the game

Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media &amp; Marketing Experts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews

Enjoyed this free episode? My Tip Jar: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal
Kind comments, reviews and shares are equally welcome.</description>

A spontaneous chat at Podcast Movement 2025 turned into 15 minutes of pure gold when Peter Ferioli explained how podcasts can now be interactive, with Pantheon joining forces with Spooler Media to lead the way.

A spontaneous chat at <a href="https://2025.podcastmovement.com/">Podcast Movement 2025</a> turned into 15 minutes of pure gold when Peter Ferioli explained how podcasts can now be interactive, with <a href="https://pantheonpodcasts.com/">Pantheon</a> joining forces with <a href="https://www.spooler.fm/">Spooler Media</a> to lead the way. And to be wow'd at a conference that regularly features the best and the brightest in podcasting, this really stood out. 
Peter explains Pantheon's effort at launching music-oriented podcasts, netting maybe 10 listeners on day. He and his other partners were not inclined to quit their day jobs. But then when Spotify entered podcasting, suddenly everyone searching for artists was discovering their content alongside the music. 
 
 
Pantheon Podcasts 
And Pantheon went on to becoming one of the world's biggest music podcast networks with 150 shows featuring top-tier bands like Metallica.  
 
The real turning point -- and where things get exciting?  
Peter's now pioneering interactive podcasting with Spooler, a platform created by former Apple Podcasts and Megaphone executives. This isn't just another tech upgrade; it's completely reimagining what audio content can be...and do. 
But thanks to a combo of  new tech enablements from large language models anticipating conclusions to voice recognition and more, the team has raised the bar on what's possible. Try out the beta version of what the team has dubbed a "Podcast Puzzle" and try a brain game!  
 
 
&nbsp; 
Walks and Talks 
They're enabling everything from choose-your-own-adventure stories that adapt to your location in real-time, to <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hit-replay/id6747683510">walks through decades</a> of San Francisco with The Grateful Dead, and even talks with Benjamin Franklin using his complete writings. As I proudly punned to Peter, it's "electrifying!" 
 
Peter's Take: Compared to how Video has evolved, Audio has stayed the same... Til now. 
 
"You have audiobooks, podcasts, music and radio. They're all passive forms of audio... So in this world that we're trying to build out these interactive podcasts... You can ask a voice assistant for the weather. With an interactive podcast can create a story about the weather, even bring in real location data and create a personal narrative around it for you." 
 
Key Moments: 
 
 	[03:00] Early podcasting reality check: 10 listeners after a year of detailed work 
 	[04:30] Breaking the "sacred" podcast feed rules with multi-genre content 
 	[04:46] How Spotify's entry transformed music podcast discovery 
 	[07:35] Interactive podcasting revolution with Spooler FM explained 
 	[13:36] Mind-blowing AI conversations with Benjamin Franklin 
 	[14:28] Real-world application: Grateful Dead puzzle experience in San Francisco 
 
Don't miss the app Peter mentions: try Links interactive puzzle at podcastpuzzle.com. 
And speaking of keeping your mind sharp for puzzles, thanks to <a href="http://And speaking of keeping your mind sharp for puzzles, thanks to More Labs for sponsoring, with 25% off their Morning Recovery, Liquid Focus and Dream Well &quot;tonics&quot; at morelabs.com with code INSIDER. Here's a handy link: 25% Off More Labs https://www.morelabs.com/discount/INSIDER">More Labs</a> for sponsoring, with 25% off their Morning Recovery, Liquid Focus and Dream Well "tonics" at morelabs.com with code INSIDER. Here's a handy link: 25% Off More Labs 
<a href="https://www.morelabs.com/discount/INSIDER">https://www.morelabs.com/discount/INSIDER</a> 
Stay sharp! Use "Insider" at morelabs.com for 25% off! 
Resources: 
 
 	* Peter Ferioli - <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterferioli/">LinkedIn</a> 
 	* <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5OGY1VefN73GZw5A7oSxQH?

Innovations in Audio: Interactive Podcasts from Pantheon!

<h3>What do glassblowing, fintech, and plastic-free diapers have in common? One brilliant disruptor: Jim McKelvey.</h3>
<h4>I had the privilege of interviewing Jim McKelvey, the award-winning, Amazon-beating polymath who co-founded Square (now Block) with Jack Dorsey. But calling him just a fintech entrepreneur or a computer scientist would be like calling Leonardo da Vinci just a painter. This man defies categorization in the most fascinating way possible.</h4>
<blockquote>&#8220;I&#8217;m a guy that&#8217;s had no focus for 30 years,&#8221; Jim told me with characteristic humility. &#8220;I am a transport category pilot. I&#8217;m a professional glass artist with industrial designs in MoMA and the Smithsonian. I&#8217;m a computer scientist. I was on the Federal Reserve and used to vote on interest rates. That was fun. I built the hardware for Square, which we now call Block. I&#8217;ve started a bunch of other companies&#8230;Ugh. Look, basically, what I do is I build tools.&#8221;</blockquote>
His &#8220;lack of focus&#8221; has actually been his superpower, creating a truly unique lens on innovation, branding, and problem-solving that most specialists simply can&#8217;t achieve. <a href="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/invisbly2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1707 alignleft" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/invisbly2-300x202.jpg" alt="" width="310" height="209" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/invisbly2-300x202.jpg 300w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/invisbly2-768x517.jpg 768w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/invisbly2.jpg 888w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 310px) 100vw, 310px" /></a>
<h2>From Frustration to Billion-Dollar Solutions</h2>
Our conversation revealed how Jim transforms everyday frustrations into industry-changing innovations. The Square story began with something as mundane as being unable to accept American Express at his glass studio. That simple pain point sparked a billion-dollar disruption that fundamentally changed mobile payments forever.  <a href="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/jim-pic-6.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1708 alignleft" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/jim-pic-6-300x200.jpg" alt="Jim McKelvey Glass Artist" width="432" height="288" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/jim-pic-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/jim-pic-6-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/jim-pic-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/jim-pic-6.jpg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px" /></a>
Jim shared his methodology for spotting opportunities hiding in plain sight and building products that resonate deeply with audiences. More importantly, he explained how he predicts business disasters before they happen – and his track record is impressive! Hint: his accurate predictions about Southwest Airlines and other major corporate meltdowns, made it into his book &#8220;The Innovation Stack&#8221; years before its current challenges. Then he shares how and why brand associations can make or break a company (hello, Bud Light disaster. Listen for how that motivated his current project, PwrScore.ai.)
<h2>The Art of Taking Calculated Risks</h2>
What struck me most about Jim was his fearless approach to high-risk, high-impact projects. &#8220;I work on projects that are right now, sort of long shots because I&#8217;m in a position where I can take a long shot,&#8221; he explained. &#8220;I&#8217;ve made way, way more money than I ever expected. My wife and I have taken the giving pledge, so we&#8217;re gonna give all the money away, but in the meantime, I can take crazy risks.&#8221;
That&#8217;s not just talk – Jim and his wife have literally committed to giving away their entire fortune for the betterment of the world. It&#8217;s a level of commitment to pro-social behavior that&#8217;s both inspiring and rare in today&#8217;s business landscape.
<h2>Two Game-Changing Projects You Need to Know About</h2>
Jim pulled back the curtain on his current ventures, and they&#8217;re both fascinating for completely different reasons.
First is PwrScore, a that tool that measures and assesses brand resonance and compatibility using AI to minimize research bias and enhance brand capabilities through better data. The kicker? He&#8217;s giving it away for free. Yes, really. This isn&#8217;t some limited trial – it&#8217;s a genuinely useful tool that most companies would charge thousands for, and Jim is just handing it out because he believes it can help businesses make better decisions.
<figure id="attachment_1706" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1706" style="width: 410px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pwrscre.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1706" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pwrscre-300x166.jpg" alt="" width="410" height="227" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pwrscre-300x166.jpg 300w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pwrscre-1024x566.jpg 1024w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pwrscre-768x424.jpg 768w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pwrscre.jpg 1030w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-1706" class="wp-caption-text">PwrScore.ai</figcaption></figure>
The second project might sound unusual, but it could change the world: plastic-free diapers.
<blockquote>&#8220;Diapers last for a thousand years and they become these horrible microplastics that are bad for the world, and I just thought it could be possible to do it without plastic. So I&#8217;ve been working on it for five years with a team. We&#8217;re this close to a breakthrough&#8230;&#8221;</blockquote>
Think about it – billions of diapers end up in landfills every year, taking centuries to decompose and creating environmental havoc. If Jim cracks this code, the sustainability impact could be massive. (Hint #2: Catch my <a href="https://bit.ly/Insider28-KoAnn">previous episode</a> with the founder of Sustainable Brands for more.)
<h2>The Renaissance Entrepreneur</h2>
What makes Jim truly special isn&#8217;t just his business acumen – it&#8217;s his genuine curiosity about everything. He flies &#8220;small, crappy airplanes&#8221; for fun, creates glass art displayed in world-renowned museums, and casually mentions voting on Federal Reserve interest rates like it&#8217;s a weekend hobby.
This broad range of experiences gives him perspectives that pure business specialists simply can&#8217;t match. When he talks about innovation, he&#8217;s not just drawing from MBA case studies – he&#8217;s pulling from art, aviation, monetary policy, and manufacturing.
<h2>Why This Conversation Matters</h2>
Whether you&#8217;re in media, marketing, or building the next big thing, Jim&#8217;s approach to problem-solving offers a masterclass in thinking differently. He doesn&#8217;t just spot trends – he creates them by identifying problems everyone else has accepted as unsolvable.
His insights on brand compatibility, disaster prediction, and sustainable innovation are particularly relevant right now. Plus, his commitment to giving away his wealth while still actively building and creating is a refreshing take on success and legacy.
This episode is packed with inspiring stories, clever insights, and tactical wisdom that will help you rethink what&#8217;s possible in your own work. Jim McKelvey proves that true innovation comes from embracing diverse interests, taking calculated risks, and always asking &#8220;what if we could do this better?&#8221;
<h2>A Series of Legends</h2>
<h4><a href="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/47065-FOLIO-Legends-HOF_Cards_JimMcKelvey.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1705 alignleft" src="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/47065-FOLIO-Legends-HOF_Cards_JimMcKelvey-300x240.jpg" alt="" width="333" height="266" srcset="https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/47065-FOLIO-Legends-HOF_Cards_JimMcKelvey-300x240.jpg 300w, https://insiderinterviews.blubrry.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/47065-FOLIO-Legends-HOF_Cards_JimMcKelvey.jpg 500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 333px) 100vw, 333px" /></a>This interview is one of several featuring winners of the Eddie &amp; Ozzie Award who are being inducted into the Folio: Legends Hall of Fame this October.</h4>
<h4>What&#8217;s the common thread among these industry legends? Each has reinvented themselves or their company in remarkable ways.Be sure to watch for upcoming episodes with Neil Vogel, David Adler, and other Hall of Fame inductees. You won&#8217;t want to miss this any of these legends!</h4>
<h4>For all their brief profile award interviews, <a href="https://www.eddie-ozzie.com/go/2025-eddie-and-ozzie-awards/hall-of-fame-interviews/">visit the award site</a>.</h4>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3>Key Moments:</h3>
00:00 Jim McKelvey’s Eerily Accurate Business Predictions
02:15 Hall of Famer but a Career with No Focus — On Purpose
03:02 The Plastic-Free Diaper Project
03:36 Giving Away his Fortune
05:55 Giving Away his Power (Score).ai Tool
08:05 What Makes for Dangerous Brand Associations
11:17 Writing the Book on Innovation
14:17 Why McKelvey Only Solves Unsolved Problems
15:12 Trading News Consumption for Data Capture
16:30 Humble Pie, Hobbies and Heroes
<h3>CONNECT AND SHARE:</h3>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Check out <a href="http://Pwrscore.ai">PwrScore.AI</a> to test your brand&#8217;s affinities.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Learn about Invisibly: <a href="https://www.invisibly.com/learn/">https://www.invisibly.com/learn/</a></li>
</ul>
<h4>Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media &amp; Marketing Experts</h4>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal</a> 
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews">https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews</a> 
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/">https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/</a> 
Threads: <a href="https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews">https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews</a> 

<h4>Enjoyed this free episode? Make like Jim and give your money away! 😉 
My Tip Jar: <a href="https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal">https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal</a></h4>
<h4>Kind comments, reviews and shares are equally welcome.</h4>

<description>What do glassblowing, fintech, and plastic-free diapers have in common? One brilliant disruptor: Jim McKelvey.
I had the privilege of interviewing Jim McKelvey, the award-winning, Amazon-beating polymath who co-founded Square (now Block) with Jack Dorsey. But calling him just a fintech entrepreneur or a computer scientist would be like calling Leonardo da Vinci just a painter. This man defies categorization in the most fascinating way possible.
"I'm a guy that's had no focus for 30 years," Jim told me with characteristic humility. "I am a transport category pilot. I'm a professional glass artist with industrial designs in MoMA and the Smithsonian. I'm a computer scientist. I was on the Federal Reserve and used to vote on interest rates. That was fun. I built the hardware for Square, which we now call Block. I've started a bunch of other companies...Ugh. Look, basically, what I do is I build tools."
His "lack of focus" has actually been his superpower, creating a truly unique lens on innovation, branding, and problem-solving that most specialists simply can't achieve. 
From Frustration to Billion-Dollar Solutions
Our conversation revealed how Jim transforms everyday frustrations into industry-changing innovations. The Square story began with something as mundane as being unable to accept American Express at his glass studio. That simple pain point sparked a billion-dollar disruption that fundamentally changed mobile payments forever.  

Jim shared his methodology for spotting opportunities hiding in plain sight and building products that resonate deeply with audiences. More importantly, he explained how he predicts business disasters before they happen – and his track record is impressive! Hint: his accurate predictions about Southwest Airlines and other major corporate meltdowns, made it into his book "The Innovation Stack" years before its current challenges. Then he shares how and why brand associations can make or break a company (hello, Bud Light disaster. Listen for how that motivated his current project, PwrScore.ai.)
The Art of Taking Calculated Risks
What struck me most about Jim was his fearless approach to high-risk, high-impact projects. "I work on projects that are right now, sort of long shots because I'm in a position where I can take a long shot," he explained. "I've made way, way more money than I ever expected. My wife and I have taken the giving pledge, so we're gonna give all the money away, but in the meantime, I can take crazy risks."

That's not just talk – Jim and his wife have literally committed to giving away their entire fortune for the betterment of the world. It's a level of commitment to pro-social behavior that's both inspiring and rare in today's business landscape.
Two Game-Changing Projects You Need to Know About
Jim pulled back the curtain on his current ventures, and they're both fascinating for completely different reasons.

First is PwrScore, a that tool that measures and assesses brand resonance and compatibility using AI to minimize research bias and enhance brand capabilities through better data. The kicker? He's giving it away for free. Yes, really. This isn't some limited trial – it's a genuinely useful tool that most companies would charge thousands for, and Jim is just handing it out because he believes it can help businesses make better decisions.

PwrScore.ai

The second project might sound unusual, but it could change the world: plastic-free diapers.
"Diapers last for a thousand years and they become these horrible microplastics that are bad for the world, and I just thought it could be possible to do it without plastic. So I've been working on it for five years with a team. We're this close to a breakthrough..."
Think about it – billions of diapers end up in landfills every year, taking centuries to decompose and creating environmental havoc. If Jim cracks this code, the sustainability impact could be massive.</description>

The Path from Square to Sustainability

Host E.B. Moss interviews "polymath" Jim McKelvey, who, with Jack Dorsey, turned a simple frustration with credit card processing into Square – the company that revolutionized mobile payments and upset the Amazon apple cart. But McKelvey's story gets way more interesting from there. 
As he describes himself: "I’m a guy that’s had no focus for 30 years. I was a professional glass artist. I am a transport category pilot. I’m a glass artist with industrial designs in MoMA and the Smithsonian. I’m a computer scientist. I was on the Federal Reserve and used to vote on interest rates. That was fun. I started Square, which we now call Block, and built the hardware for it. I have started a bunch of other companies. But look, it’s a mess. Basically what I do is I build tools. 
 
McKelvey reveals how he predicted (in his book, "The Innovation Stack") a Southwest Airlines years in advance, explains how frustration becomes his greatest innovation fuel, such as what motivatived his latest ventures: PwrScore, an AI-powered brand compatibility tool he's giving away completely free. Learn what motivates data capture these days and how he's applying that at Invisibly. And, how he's walking the pro-social talk with his work on biodegradable diapers that could eliminate billions of pieces of thousand-year plastic waste. 
"Diapers last for a thousand years and they become these horrible microplastics that are bad for the world, and I just thought it could be possible to do it without plastic. So I've been working on it for five years with a team. We're this close to a breakthrough..." 
 
Listeners will discover McKelvey's methodology for building products that resonate deeply with audiences, his insights on brand compatibility and association risks (including lessons from major corporate failures), and details how to access PwrScore for measuring brand resonance for free. Speaking of free, McKelvey also shares his remarkable commitment to philanthropy, having taken the giving pledge to donate his entire fortune while continuing to pursue high-impact, pro-social innovations. 
Learn why A.P. Gianini (founder of Bank of America) is one of McKelvey's heroes, and how he is most happy taking to the sky... This is an incredibly inspiring conversation. 
NOTE: This episode is part of a special series featuring Eddie & Ozzie Award winners being inducted into the Folio: Legends Hall of Fame in October 2025. The common thread among these industry legends? Each has reinvented themselves or their company in extraordinary ways. Watch for upcoming episodes with Neil Vogel, David Adler, and other Hall of Fame inductees. 
Enjoyed this episode? Make like Jim and give your money away! ;-) Tip Jar: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal 
Kind comments, reviews and shares are equally welcome.

Jim McKelvey: Disruptive By Design

Media, Marketing, Advertising and Entertainment executives give an insider’s view of the business of the industry. Compelling conversations on creating TV, advertising, audio, research and more, with host, E.B. Moss.

Insider Interviews with E.B. Moss

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